Lake OntarioNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Lake OntarioMon, 21 Aug 2017 08:20:59 +0000Lake Ontariohttp://wrvo.org
Payne HorningFor the second time this month, the International Joint Commission (IJC) has lowered water discharges from Lake Ontario . Starting at midnight Saturday, the outflows to the St. Lawrence River dropped only slightly from 9,910 cubic meters per second to 9,870 cms, which is less than 1 percent.Despite criticism, IJC lowers Lake Ontario outflows againhttp://wrvo.org/post/despite-criticism-ijc-lowers-lake-ontario-outflows-again
107221 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 18 Aug 2017 21:41:30 +0000Despite criticism, IJC lowers Lake Ontario outflows againPayne HorningThis year's flooding along Lake Ontario has taken a toll on municipalities, exhausting their resources and threatening their infrastructure. That's the case in Oswego where the city recently took an inventory of the destruction caused by the unprecedented water levels.Potentially 'millions' in damage to Oswego from Lake Ontariohttp://wrvo.org/post/potentially-millions-damage-oswego-lake-ontario
106817 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 10 Aug 2017 08:27:00 +0000Potentially 'millions' in damage to Oswego from Lake OntarioPayne HorningThe government body that regulates water levels on Lake Ontario is reducing the outflows to the St. Lawrence River. The International Joint Commission (IJC) says water levels have dropped rapidly, down 12 inches since the peak in late May. That's drawing some criticism from shoreline residents who say the move is premature.IJC lowers outflows from Lake Ontario, angering some property ownershttp://wrvo.org/post/ijc-lowers-outflows-lake-ontario-angering-some-property-owners
106735 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 08 Aug 2017 08:35:00 +0000IJC lowers outflows from Lake Ontario, angering some property ownersPayne HorningState lawmakers say help is finally here for the property owners who have experienced damage from flooding along Lake Ontario this year. Community leaders are organizing residents as the state prepares to distribute the recovery funding.Lake Ontario flood recovery program meetings beginhttp://wrvo.org/post/lake-ontario-flood-recovery-program-meetings-begin
106000 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 21 Jul 2017 08:31:00 +0000Lake Ontario flood recovery program meetings beginPayne HorningSeveral New York representatives are joining the calls for the federal government to declare the flooding along Lake Ontario a disaster. The move would bring federal funding and assistance to the recovery process. Central New York Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus), Mohawk Valley Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-New Hartford), and North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) wrote to President Donald Trump last week saying the unprecedented flooding has caused irreparable damage to shoreline communities and left municipalities with extensive costs to fix their infrastructure. They join Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Gov. Andrew Cuomo who wrote to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking for the declaration earlier this month. Katko says the devastation is so widespread that federal resources are necessary. "The denigration of property values now that this flooding has hit - it’s a bad scene all the way around," Katko said. "The state is doing theirUpstate representatives ask Trump to declare Lake Ontario flooding a disasterhttp://wrvo.org/post/upstate-representatives-ask-trump-declare-lake-ontario-flooding-disaster
105895 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 19 Jul 2017 08:21:41 +0000Upstate representatives ask Trump to declare Lake Ontario flooding a disasterPayne HorningThe historically high water levels in Lake Ontario this year have threatened homeowners, municipalities and nuclear power plants - almost triggering emergency action at the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Facility in Oswego County.High Lake Ontario levels nearly pushed Nine Mile nuclear plant into emergency actionhttp://wrvo.org/post/high-lake-ontario-levels-nearly-pushed-nine-mile-nuclear-plant-emergency-action
105664 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 14 Jul 2017 07:52:00 +0000High Lake Ontario levels nearly pushed Nine Mile nuclear plant into emergency actionPayne HorningU.S. Geological Survey scientists are installing equipment along the shores of Lake Ontario to better monitor water levels and understand the impact from this year's flooding.U.S. geological scientsts, FEMA assessing Lake Ontario flooding damagehttp://wrvo.org/post/us-geological-scientsts-fema-assessing-lake-ontario-flooding-damage
105663 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 13 Jul 2017 08:20:00 +0000U.S. geological scientsts, FEMA assessing Lake Ontario flooding damagePayne HorningGov. Andrew Cuomo is not signing a bill the New York State Legislature passed last week that would provide grants for flood victims along Lake Ontario.Lake Ontario flood relief program stalled at governor's deskhttp://wrvo.org/post/lake-ontario-flood-relief-program-stalled-governors-desk
104915 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 26 Jun 2017 08:36:00 +0000Lake Ontario flood relief program stalled at governor's deskPayne HorningState lawmakers have passed legislation that could provide financial relief for those affected by Lake Ontario flooding. The new bill was approved after weeks of debate between the state Senate and Assembly over how much to spend and whom should be be eligible . The Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway flood recovery and International Joint Commission Plan 2014 mitigation grant program offers $90 million in grants to homeowners, farms, small businesses, non-profits and municipalities to assist with their repairs. It applies to flooding from Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Seneca Lake, Seneca River, Oswego River, Oneida River, Oneida Lake and Cross Lake. The bill also establishes a fund for local governments to invest in future flood control and mitigation projects, and it allows some damaged properties to get tax assessment reductions. The state funding will only be available after property owners have exhausted any insurance or federal resources. Oswego County Assemblyman WillLake Ontario flood relief bill approvedhttp://wrvo.org/post/lake-ontario-flood-relief-bill-approved
104699 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 20 Jun 2017 14:20:49 +0000Lake Ontario flood relief bill approvedPayne HorningIt's another wet week in much of central and northern New York, offering no relief to those experiencing flooding along Lake Ontario and in the area. The National Weather Service says rainfall in the region is several inches above average this year, for the month of May especially. Last month was the second-wettest May on record for the Watertown area and the third-wettest in the Syracuse area. But National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Welch says that's not the main cause of the flooding many communities in the region are experiencing. "It's contributing some, but it's very - it's not nearly as much contribution as upstream and the upper Great Lakes," Welch said. "All of those basins added together with the rainfall throughout those basins, along with snow melt, during the springtime is causing high water levels in Lake Ontario." According to the National Weather Service, there might be some drier weather around the corner in central and northern New York. Forecasts say theNear-record rainfall in central and northern New York in Mayhttp://wrvo.org/post/near-record-rainfall-central-and-northern-new-york-may
104161 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 07 Jun 2017 08:38:00 +0000Near-record rainfall in central and northern New York in MayPayne HorningAs residents along Lake Ontario try to clean up from this year's flooding, state officials are warning about the health risks the situation poses. The Oswego County Health Department is offering resident's free Tdap -- or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine -- shots for those affected by the flooding. Health officials say the flood water and contaminated soil can contain infectious organisms. That's why the New York State Department of Health advises that people wear protective equipment like rubber boots, waterproof gloves and face masks when working in flooded areas. The Oswego County Health Department has provided protective masks to some of the most affected cities and towns in the county like Mexico and Sandy Creek. It is also offering free test kits so residents can check their wells for bacteria.Health officials warn of Lake Ontario flooding illness riskshttp://wrvo.org/post/health-officials-warn-lake-ontario-flooding-illness-risks
104072 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 06 Jun 2017 01:26:27 +0000Health officials warn of Lake Ontario flooding illness risksVeronica VolkSpring flooding along Lake Ontario is damaging many homes along the shoreline, and it’s hurting people who have businesses there. Now, business owners say it will take a long time to recover -- even after the floodwaters go away. Marge’s is a little bungalow bar in Rochester. Inside, there's a small wooden bar and a few games, but you don't go to Marge’s to stay inside. Out back is a big stretch of beach looking out over Lake Ontario. There's a tiki hut and frozen drink machine, and live music on the weekends. "It's a vacation without leaving home," says owner Fran Beth. She took over when the original Marge, her mother-in-law, passed away. The bar has been in business for 56 years, and Beth says on summer nights, hundreds of customers stop by to drink $7 rum runners in the sand and watch the boats go by. "Just pick up a chair and put it in the beach where you want to be and life is good," she says. Except these days most of Marge’s beach is underwater -- and has been for weeks. BethBusinesses along Lake Ontario hurt by flooding http://wrvo.org/post/businesses-along-lake-ontario-hurt-flooding
103843 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 31 May 2017 09:00:00 +0000Businesses along Lake Ontario hurt by flooding Payne HorningState lawmakers are moving to provide grants to property owners affected by the flooding from Lake Ontario and this year's high rainfall, but they disagree about how to best address the situation. The state Senate unanimously passed its bill that establishes a $55 million grant program for homeowners, businesses and municipalities damaged from flooding. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Pam Helming (R-Canandaigua), says the state aid would only kick in after other assistance. "It’s a last resort," Helming said. "So anyone who is making application will have had to exhaust all of their personal flood insurance, federal dollars before they can apply for the grant." The Senate bill would help those affected by flooding along Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River. That's why some assembly members, like Democrat Addie Jenne from the North Country, are pursuing their own grant legislation excluding Lake Erie and Lake Champlain flooding. "I am not certain they have beenState lawmakers at odds over flooding grantshttp://wrvo.org/post/state-lawmakers-odds-over-flooding-grants
103692 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 30 May 2017 08:33:00 +0000State lawmakers at odds over flooding grantsVeronica VolkPublic beaches along the Lake Ontario shoreline are under water, which may put a damper on some summer plans.Lake Ontario beaches damaged by flood waters http://wrvo.org/post/lake-ontario-beaches-damaged-flood-waters
103786 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 29 May 2017 08:54:00 +0000Lake Ontario beaches damaged by flood waters Payne HorningSummer is approaching, but many of New York state's beaches along Lake Ontario are closed.Rising Lake Ontario threatens New York state parkshttp://wrvo.org/post/rising-lake-ontario-threatens-new-york-state-parks
103538 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 23 May 2017 08:30:00 +0000Rising Lake Ontario threatens New York state parksPayne HorningLake Ontario is now 33 inches above its long-term average and it's not yet at its peak. That sustained flooding is threatening residents along the shorelines and scientists say it is also taking a toll on the environment.Environmental damage from Lake Ontario flooding could be permanenthttp://wrvo.org/post/environmental-damage-lake-ontario-flooding-could-be-permanent
103426 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 22 May 2017 08:28:00 +0000Environmental damage from Lake Ontario flooding could be permanentVeronica VolkPlan 2014 is unpopular with some residents of the southern shore of Lake Ontario, because it lets the water levels get higher, more frequently, and potentially for longer periods of time, which could cause damage to lakefront property owners. So it makes sense that flooded homeowners like Tom Piekunka in Sodus Point are blaming the change in regulation for the change in their environment. "This is what they want. They want the higher water. We're just collateral damage." The plan went into effect in January, and since then, Lake Ontario has hit a record high. But did Plan 2014 cause the current flooding? No, according to Frank Sciremammano. Sciremammano isn't an apologist for the new plan that regulates lake levels. He acknowledges that it could contribute to problems in the future. But he attributes this spring's flooding to record rainfall -- and some moves made this winter to manage ice. He's a member of the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, which oversees lakeDid Plan 2014 cause Lake Ontario's floods?http://wrvo.org/post/did-plan-2014-cause-lake-ontarios-floods
103332 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 18 May 2017 08:29:00 +0000Did Plan 2014 cause Lake Ontario's floods?Payne HorningWater levels on Lake Ontario are still going up and still have not yet peaked, but property owners already have been assessing the damage.New York lawmakers considering Lake Ontario flood relief legislationhttp://wrvo.org/post/new-york-lawmakers-considering-lake-ontario-flood-relief-legislation
103288 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 17 May 2017 08:34:00 +0000New York lawmakers considering Lake Ontario flood relief legislationVernoica VolkFlooding continues along the Lake Ontario shoreline and there’s no end in sight. Many residents and New York’s governor say the solution lies with a huge dam that straddles the U.S- Canada border. But the reality is not so simple. Tom Piekunka stands in an inch of water in his backyard in Sodus Point. Water from Lake Ontario is still on the rise, and it's creeping closer and closer to the bright yellow two-story cottage where his family has lived for generations. "If this was just a house I wouldn't care," he says. "But, it's a home." Piekunka says this is the highest he's ever seen the water, and he’s blaming the International Joint Commission, the U.S.-Canadian body that helps to oversee the Great Lakes. This year, it changed the way water levels on Lake Ontario are regulated. Piekunka says he's particularly upset because he believes all this flooding was avoidable. "It's the government that's doing this," he said. Piekunka isn't the only one pointing the finger at the IJC and itsLake Ontario & Montreal are flooded; this dam is in the middlehttp://wrvo.org/post/lake-ontario-montreal-are-flooded-dam-middle
102989 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 10 May 2017 09:13:27 +0000Lake Ontario & Montreal are flooded; this dam is in the middlePayne HorningThe water level in Lake Ontario is now higher than is been in more than 60 years, before water levels started being regulated in the 1950s.Officials say wet weather is hampering Lake Ontario flooding responsehttp://wrvo.org/post/officials-say-wet-weather-hampering-lake-ontario-flooding-response
102967 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 10 May 2017 08:29:00 +0000Officials say wet weather is hampering Lake Ontario flooding response